JOB SEARCH TOOLKIT

BUILD AN EFFECTIVE RESUME

Learn about the role of a resume – it's different than you may think!

Highlights from our Resume Guide show you how to make your resume shine.

Download Resume Guide

RESUME BUILDING 101 TUTORIAL STYLES

Check out our in-depth coverage of everything you need to know to build your resume in this five-module video series.

Module 1 Introduction

Have you shaped your resume for the actual reader? Learn about the role of the resume in the County’s employment process in this module.

Module 2 Common Resume Styles

Have you selected the best style to make your qualifications really stand out? In this module, learn about the three most common resume styles and how to choose the best one for you.

Have you included appropriate sections based on your career stage? Learn about the sections to choose and the content to include in this module.

Module 3 Common Resume Sections

Module 4 Describing Work Experience

Have you provided enough detail about your accomplishments? Learn an amazing technique for describing them in this module.

Have you polished your resume to its “camera-ready” finest? In this module, learn about the finishing touches that help to put it all together.

Module 5 Design & Finalization

Work experience by year

Chronological

Focus on type of work

Functional

Elements of both

Combination

Chronological Resume

This style focuses on where you have worked and how long you worked there. It lists your work experience in reverse chronological order, with your most recent position listed first. This style works best for individuals who have consistent work histories with no gaps. It also works well for those who have had increasing responsibility and who are seeking to advance in the same field.

Easiest style to write and interpret
Clearly shows a career progression
Emphasizes the employers you have worked for
Is perceived to be more credible and fact-based

Functional Resume

This style focuses on the types of work you have performed rather than where and how long you performed them. It groups your work experience into 3-8 major functional areas, describing responsibilities and achievements within each area. Functional areas can be competencies (for example, leadership, change management, customer service, administrative support), functions or fields (for example, human resources, accounting, social services, budgets, contracts), industries (for example, local government, banking, non-profit, retail), or other groupings that make sense based on your experience.

Emphasizes accomplishments across a varied or extensive career
Easy way to relate your work experience to the job requirements
De-emphasizes specific job titles and employers
Works well for people who have changed jobs frequently or may have gaps in their work history

Combination Resume

This style includes elements of both the chronological and functional resume styles. It outlines your responsibilities and achievements within major functional areas first, and then describes your work history in chronological order. This style works best for individuals who have consistent work histories (i.e., no employment gaps) and varied and/or extensive experience (i.e., at least 10 years).

To Do List

Most effective if you have standout accomplishments
Easily shows a career progression
Helps relate your work experience to job qualifications
While employment gaps may be apparent, can emphasize accomplishments over a long career

ITEMS TO CONSIDER FOR YOUR RESUME

Work Experience

Military Service

Community and Volunteer Activities

Certifications & Licenses

Qualifications Summary

Educational Details

Completed Training

Relevant Skills

Languages

Technical Summary

Name and Contact Information

Career Objective

Presentations and Publications

Professional Affiliations

Awards and Honors

... AND WHAT TO LEAVE OFF

Hobbies and Interests

While it can personalize your resume, this information isn't relevant to demonstrating that you are qualified for the job.

Personal Details

Information such as age, ethnicity, religion, etc. should not be included. Stick with what is relevant to the job you are applying for.

Photograph

Application materials for the County should not include a photo unless it is part of a license that is required for the position.

References

A list of 3-5 professional associates who can serve as references should be listed on a document SEPARATE from your resume.

PULLING IT ALL TOGETHER

Feature Important Info

Make sure your most relevant qualifications are prominently displayed and easy to find.

Leave Some White Space

Resist the urge to fill every empty space with information. White space can help your resume look professional and uncluttered.

Call Out Section Headings

Section headings should be visually distinguished from the other parts of your resume. Try bold type or horizontal lines.

Use Proper Line Spacing

Bulleted statements and paragraphs should be single-spaced. Include extra space between sections.

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